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Medical Gas Certified Specialists

Putman & Son’s Plumbing are Medical Gas Certified Specialists. We are experts at installation, maintenance and leak detection. Whether you are a dental office, veterinary clinic, operating room, surgery center or ski patrol, Putman & Son’s Plumbing can serve you. Contact us to learn more.

Common Causes of Foul Odors Coming from Your Drain

If you notice foul odors coming from your drain, there may be a problem. The first thing you should do is identify what is causing the issue.

  • A Dry P-Trap – The curved length of pipe under the sink is called the p-trap. Water is supposed to remain in the curve to serve as a plug that stops gas from the sewer system from coming up. If it goes dry, it will not serve this function and allow odors into your home. Make sure to run water in sinks that don’t get much use to prevent this problem.
  • Clogged Vent – Vents are necessary to release gas from the sewer system, usually extending to the roof. If a vent pipe becomes clogged, it could cause gasses to enter your home. Due to the position of the pipe, you may need to call a professional to clear a clogged vent.
  • Blocked Drain – If you notice a rotten egg smell, it could be biofilm buildup from a drain clog. To remove the bacteria, you must clear the blockage. This may be done using a drain cleaner product or boiling water.
  • Sewer Line Blockage – A blockage may also exist deeper in the system along the main sewer line. When this happens, you will likely have to call a plumber to snake the line.
  • Mold Growth – Musty smells can be a sign of mold in the drain. Per the EPA, as long as the infected area is less than 10 square feet in size, you should be able to handle it yourself. Vinegar, boiling water, and baking soda can be used to remove mold.

If you have trouble identifying the cause of drain odors, a professional can help. Call Putman & Son’s Plumbing 24/7 plumbing services located in southeast Michigan to stop sewer smells and remove blockages.

 

Clogged Garbage Disposal?

Garbage disposals clogs can form for a number of reasons. Often, it is from putting items down the drain that should not be disposed of in this way. It may also have to do with a lack of water or due to how the ground up food reacts when it comes in contact with moisture. What can you do about a clogged garbage disposal?

Manually Rotate Blades to Break Up Clog

If the clog is under the sink, you can try manually rotating the blades to break up the blockage. You will need an Allen wrench to do this. The manual operator is usually accessible along the base of the unit, on the outside. Look under your sink, find the manual operator, and turn with the Allen wrench. Your owner’s manual will have more information on how to safely turn the blades.

Unclog Garbage Disposal with Pliers

You should not pour chemicals down a garbage disposal, but you can use tools to clear a clog. To do this, shut off the power to the unit as a safety precaution. Next, reach into the drain with pliers and remove loose materials so you can inspect the blockage. Continue removing objects until clear. Never insert hands into the garbage disposal.

Clear Sludge and Debris from P-Trap

Excessive buildup in the P-trap can cause blockages in your garbage disposal. If this is the problem, find a bucket to catch debris in. Place it under the P-trap then unscrew the pipe. You may need to wiggle it to remove it from the trap arm and waste tee. Pull out debris and rinse the trap then replace.

If you prefer to hire a professional or none of these methods work, call Putman & Son’s Plumbing certified plumbers now to schedule an appointment for a garbage disposal repair or installation in Southeast Michigan.

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